Southern Utah’s Comeback Falls Short Against Tarleton
Oct 8, 2022, 9:58 PM
(Courtesy of SUU Athletics)
(Courtesy of SUU Athletics)
SALT LAKE CITY – The Southern Utah football fell short in its comeback attempt against Western Athletic Conference foe Tarleton.
The Thunderbirds hosted the Texans at Eccles Coliseum in Cedar City, Utah on Saturday, October 8.
SUU fell to Tarleton, 42-40.
FINAL.#FocusFightFinish x #TBirdNation pic.twitter.com/p6QS2tdur4
— Southern Utah Football (@SUUFB_) October 9, 2022
After trailing by four points at halftime, 14-10, the T-Birds allowed the Texans to outscore them by 18 points in the third quarter. SUU faced a 35-13 deficit heading into the final 15 minutes of action.
During the final quarter, the Thunderbirds gave the Texans all they could handle and nearly pulled off a comeback. To open the quarter, Isaiah Williams broke loose for a 55-yard touchdown run. Six minutes later, T-Bird quarterback Justin Miller ran for two yards and six points.
Q4 | Justin Miller takes us to the promised land 🙏
TOUCHDOWN THUNDERBIRDS ‼️#TBirdNation pic.twitter.com/ndObfgTXXU
— Southern Utah Football (@SUUFB_) October 9, 2022
Tarleton kept some distance with a pick-six off Miller with 4:07 left to play. However, Miller quickly rebounded and tossed a touchdown pass less than two minutes later to make it a one-score game.
Q4 | Miller ➡️Jenkins TOUCHDOWN.
Name a better duo. We'll wait 🙂
SUU: 34
TSU: 42#TBirdNation pic.twitter.com/nq43MrJrcK— Southern Utah Football (@SUUFB_) October 9, 2022
With 33 seconds remaining, Williams ran for a three-yard score and cut Tarleton’s lead to two points. The Thunderbirds failed to convert a two-point try after the touchdown run.
Q4 | It's a BATTLE out there ⚔️
Isaiah Williams punches it in. TOUCHDOWN 👊#TBirdNation pic.twitter.com/e70yhfdGxd
— Southern Utah Football (@SUUFB_) October 9, 2022
Tarleton was able to close out the game in the final seconds and secure the victory. Despite the 27-point quarter, the Thunderbirds fell for the second straight game. Tarleton outgained SUU in total yards, 531-508. SUU had two turnovers, including the pick-six, to only one giveaway by the Texans.
Miller finished the night 32/46 passing for 383 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Williams led SUU’s rushing attack with nine carries for 81 yards and two touchdowns. Isaiah Wooden had five catches for 107 yards and Steve Jenkins had six catches for 103 yards and a score.
With the loss, the T-Birds dropped to a 3-2 record this season. Southern Utah’s next game is at Abilene Christian on Saturday, October 15 at 2:30 p.m. (MDT). The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
